UPFRONT

NEW HAVEN, CT—Improved service and faster turnaround time expectations prompted Phoenix Press’ acquisition of five new pieces of bindery equipment. The company added a Rollem TR system for two-directional perforating, scoring and slitting. Phoenix also added a Sterling Punchmaster and Rilecart TP-480 binding machine. A Sterling S59 gatherer/collator and a Corta PB04 paper drilling machine round out the acquisitions.

Scripps Adds Web Offset Presses

STUART, FL—As part of its plan to consolidate its three daily newspapers in a new $45 million production facility, Scripps Treasure Coast Publishing has ordered a pair of MAN Roland Regioman web offset presses. Production will include zoned editions, community newspapers and various niche publications. The presses are slated for delivery in January 2004.

White Leaves Consolidated

HOUSTON—Charles F. White, president and COO of Consolidated Graphics, resigned his post at the end of July. In other company news, the acquisition of Baltimore-based sheetfed printer S&S Graphics has been completed. Also the company has relaunched its Website, www.consolidatedgraphics.com.

Woods Retires After 40-Plus Years

PHOENIX—Frank Woods, president and co-founder of Woods Lithographics, has announced his retirement. Woods, a 1996 Printing Impressions/RIT Printing Industry Hall of Fame inductee, co-founded the company in 1978 with wife Barbara. Woods has also been honored as the 1995 GATF/NAPL Sheetfed Printer of the Year, has received the Arizona State University Zeke Prust Award and was inducted into the Walter E. Soderstrom Society.

Man Kills Production Workers, Self

PROVIDENCE, RI—Two workers were fatally shot and another wounded after a disgruntled employee opened fire in a newspaper production plant, and later turned the gun on himself. Brandishing a .45-caliber Smith & Wesson, Carlos Pacheco, 38, fatally shot Robert Benetti, 38, and wounded Charles Johnson, 38, during his June 8 shooting spree at the Providence Journal production plant. Ten minutes later, Pacheco killed Matthew Fandetti, 29, in the victim’s Warwick, RI, home before committing suicide. All four people involved were Journal production employees. The Providence Journal reported that Johnson is doing well.